Phillies home opener: 5 things we learned from 10-4 loss to Brewers

PHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Braun spoiled the Phillies' home opener, hitting a career-high three home runs and driving in seven runs to hand Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick his second consecutive home-opening loss in a 10-4 defeat by the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park.

Here's what we learned:

1. Might be time to pitch around Braun: The slugger, back from a 2013 drug suspension and booed by the Philadelphia crowd, hit two home runs off Kendrick (0-1), snapping the longest stretch without a homer in his career. Braun came into the game with three singles in 20 at-bats this season, but as usual Philly was the tonic: He has 10 homers and 21 RBIs in 20 career games at Citizens Bank Park. He also made a diving catch in the outfield that saved two runs.

2. Kendrick erratic: The right-hander was hoping to build upon the strong effort that resulted in a no-decision against the Texas Rangers last week, but instead he threw batting practice for the Brewers. Kendrick's final line: Nine hits, six runs (including two home runs), two walks and three strikeouts in five innings.

3. Jimmy Rollins serves as spark plug: Rollins was one of the Phillies' bright spots, going 2-for-3, with a walk and two RBI.

4. No rest on the horizon for bullpen: B.J. Rosenberg, Mario Hollands and Brad Lincoln combined for four innings Tuesday. With Roberto Hernandez set to make his second start Wednesday, the bullpen may be be needed for even more innings.

5. Ryan Howard's inconsistency continues:: He entered the game hitless in his previous seven at-bats, and managed a double in four at-bats. But he also struck out twice, giving him 11 in 30 at-bats. He's batting .233 with one home run and three RBIs in seven games.